The Healing Sekirei

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Sekirei and make no money off this fanfic!

Chapter 2

Konoha

Tsunade leveled a glare at the assembled group before her. It had taken over a year to finally convince the Toad clan to speak with her and aid in locating her godson but after intense negotiations through her own summons, the Slugs, they had reached an agreement. Unlike in the past, when the Toads would have helped just for the sake of aiding their allies, Konoha would have to offer payment to the clan and even then it was only because of their past affiliation and the love they knew Tsunade carried for Naruto that convinced them to do this much.

She had been furious when she learned Naruto had been attacked and by his former friends no less! Apparently they had seen the blonde kissing his former teammate, Sakura Haruno, in the village and jumped to conclusions. Up to that point it had been well known Naruto had been seeing the Hyuga heiress, Hinata, for several months. From what she learned a small group of his former friends and sensei had witnessed the event and immediately told Hinata who had burst into tears.

In their anger they had went to locate the blonde and found him near one of the many rivers that ran near Konoha. No one could say exactly what possessed them to make such stupid decisions but without thinking of the consequences Neji had attacked and struck him in the back. Kurenai, the girl's former sensei, had made the surprise attack possible by casting a subtle genjutsu on the blonde, leaving him particularly vulnerable with his then state of mind. Hinata had stood by and leveled accusations at the downed young man before Kiba, always a hot head, had also attacked using his families signature jutsu fang-over-fang. The attack had hit several times before finally flinging the war hero into the river injured and he had not been seen since.

Tsunade had been furious at the attack on a fellow Konoha shinobi. When the attackers and her apprentice had been dragged to her office it had come out Sakura was utterly jealous of Hinata and had decided to try and break the two up. She had, apparently, made the decision she wanted the blonde for herself so she paid a Chunin to henge into a copy of Naruto and kiss her where the others could see, hoping the cause the two to break up before swooping in and stealing him for herself.

Tsunade knew that had Naruto's chakra network not been so degraded and damaged the attacks likely would have done little to no damage to the blonde. However, without the protection of his chakra he was likely critically injured and could have been dead.

Tsunade's response had been swift and simple. She had busted every shinobi involved back to genin and leveled massive personal fines from each. As Naruto was also the clan heir to two great clans of Konoha she then went after each of their clans and forced them to pay massive reparations to the blonde as well. Tsume and Hiashi had been furious, to say the least. Their heirs and family had attacked someone who, in their eyes, was completely innocent and a war hero to the entire world.

No one knew exactly the punishment the clan heads had exacted on their family members but it was apparently extreme so as to make an example to the rest of their clans. Tsunade had mobilized the village to locate her godson and the council had completely backed her decision. While Naruto may not have been able to use Chakra anymore his children could and he was the heir to two powerful clans, they did not want to lose his bloodline or the vast amount of money he brought with it. That lead to their current meeting with the sage of the Toad clan.

"Fukasaku, thank you again for your help. Our village is eternally grateful for your aid in returning our lost son," she said to the toad sage before her.

The sage wore an overcoat and sported a distinguished goatee as he eyed the council before him. It consisted of the Shinobi clan heads, civilian representatives, and a small group of friends that held hope of locating Naruto.

"The payment has been prepared?" he asked, ignoring her words.

Tsuade sighed, "Yes, 1,000 crates of fire country's finest sake. 1,000 pounds of sweets. And the various saplings, materials, and insects you requested are ready. I have them sealed inside transportation scrolls for you in my office."

Fukasaku nodded, "Very well. I want it understood without question we do this only because of our past relationship, the love our past summoner's held for this village, and your own love for Naruto himself Lady Tsunade. After this we will only be allied with Naruto and no longer Konoha at all, no matter how much you offer."

Tsuande nodded and leveled a glare at the civilian representatives who would obviously upset at losing such a powerful summons and ally. She had gone into great detail at what she would do if anyone spoke up during this meeting. She and only she would speak until the toad sage left.

Fukasaku nodded one final time before beginning his hand signs and focusing on the contract between them and Naruto. In a few moments a small portal opened showing the blonde they had been searching for. He was sitting at a table filled with others. They appeared to be celebrating something. But what caught everyone's attention was the brunette next to Naruto. No one could miss their intertwined hands or how she had her head laid comfortably in the crook of Naruto's neck.

Hinata and Sakura's fists clenched with the realization they had been replaced. What was worse though was how comfortable Naruto was with the girl. He turned and kissed her on the head, his eyes shining with love and happiness. The final nail in their coffin was how absolutely gorgeous the girl was. Both girls knew they were beautiful but this woman was far out of their league and it was enough to drive them into a rage with jealousy.

Hinata couldn't help but feel guilty. She had driven him away after all and really only wanted the chance to reconnect and continue their relationship. Seeing him with another girl already made even the shy Hyuga jealous. With a promise not to let him go without a fight Hinata knew she would have to offer anything to ensure he returned to her side.

Sakura could feel the headache building already. She was pissed beyond measure. That dumb blonde had already gotten some buxom bimbo for himself. Well, she'd just have to make sure the girl understood that Naruto belonged to her and no one else. As her anger grew, so did her headache.

Tsunade soaked in the sight of her happy godson. She was even considering calling off their search if he was obviously so at peace. In her eyes no one deserved peace more than him. But then everything turned to horror as they watched the girl rise and retrieve a wheel chair before picking up Naruto and helping him to it. Naruto was crippled! He couldn't walk because of their attack.

Tsume and Hiashi both paled considerably the feeling of immense shame flowed through them for their clan member's actions. They simply couldn't believe the results of their ill thought out actions could be so terrible.

The portal shimmered and closed as the sage took a deep breath, "Naruto is outside the elemental nations. He has left the barrier and is in a country called Japan. I will add only that he is also obviously happy there. With that I shall take my leave."

"Wai…" Tsunade tried only to watch as the sage disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"Well, at least we know he is alive and where he is, that's enough for us to send a retrieval team," one of the civilians said.

Tsunade pinched her nose, "There's more to it than that. The barrier was created by the sage to keep the warring factions of the elemental nations away from the outside world. Going outside will cause disruption to our chakra. Any outward usage will be suppressed. Only internal manipulation works and even then we don't know much it works and our knowledge about the world beyond the barrier is minimal at best."

The Shinobi clan heads nodded in understanding as their Hokage continued, "However, we need to reach out to him. The reparations must be paid and apologizes must be given. If possible, we must convince him to return home."

"Wouldn't it be easier to just send a team to get the boy and drag him back?" a civilian asked.

Shikaku decided to open his eyes and respond to the question before his Hokage, "While technically we could it would be a very poor option. Yes, we can force him back but we have no legal way to keep him, unless you plan to imprison him without cause."

The civilian representative clearly had no idea what the clan head was speaking about and Shikaku sighed, "Troublesome. First, Naruto was technically a shinobi when attacked but was discharged due to medical reasons shortly after, so he is honorably retired. That means he no longer serves the Hokage, she can't order him back. Second, all clans have a standard agreement with Konoha. The attack by a then jonin is considered an attack on the clan by Konoha without cause. This breaks the agreement on Konoha's side. So, as a civilian and retired shinobi Naruto can go anywhere he wants."

"And because he's basically the greatest War Hero in the elemental nations he would be welcomed anywhere and everywhere. If we tried to kidnap him and force him to stay the other clans, mine included, will see this as a violation of our rights and a dangerous precedent to be set. We won't stand for it," Shikaku told them, leaving the very obvious threat hanging in the air.

Should the civilian's push to have Naruto forcibly returned the other Konoha clans would fight to defend him and potentially leave if push came to shove.

"As it stands we don't need to take such drastic measures. We will send a team to convince Naruto to return to his home and offer our apologies at the same time. No need to look so darkly on everything after all," she told them.

The council as a whole was entirely for that and in short order the Hokage was in her office with Hatake Kakashi, Rock Lee, Shizune, Haruno Sakura, Hyuga Hinata, Hyuga Hiashi, Inuzuka Hana, Inuzuka Tsume, and Sarutobi Konohamaru.

"Let's make this simple. I will be leading this mission to retrieve Uzumaki Naruto. Accompanying me as guards will be with be Rock Lee and Shizune. Inuzuka Hana and Hyuga Hinata have been chosen by their respective clan heads to represent their clans and offer apologizes and reparations. Sarutobi Konohamaru will represent his clan for Kurenai as she was claimed by their clan along with Asuma's child. And lastly Haruno Sakura has requested to attend, a request I have granted, and will pull double duty as guard and negotiate Naruto's return. Kakashi, you will be acting Hokage while I am gone and should something happen you are my chosen successor, the council is well aware of this."

Kakashi was shocked at the idea of the Hokage leaving the elemental nations even if it did make sense to an extent, "Um… Lady Tsunade, shouldn't I be leading this team? It would be better for you to remain here, you are the village leader after all…"

"No," Tsunade said cutting off the silver haired man, "I intended to step down soon in favor of you anyway so I makes sense you remain. Further we need everything possible to convince Naruto to return. He is my godson and I will do everything I can to convince him to return. Everyone here has been chosen because of this reason. To give us the best chance of success."

Hiashi coughed deciding now was the best time to raise a rather delicate subject, "Lady Tsunade, I do have to ask something. I understand clan laws and why it would be wrong to simply take the Uzumaki and Namikaze heritage but with their clan heir outside the village, why has that not at least been considered rather than undertaking such an expensive and risky mission?"

Tsunade glared at the Hyuga clan head before speaking, "Even if that would not set a very dangerous precedent, it is because the 'heritage' you speak of is in Naruto's possession. With the exception of some real estate owned here in Konoha all money was exchanged for precious metals and jewels, all relics, weapons, and scrolls were sealed into scrolls. Jiraiya then sealed them into storage seals on Naruto himself. He has them."

Hiashi nodded and chose to remain silent after that, knowing it was an obviously touchy subject for any clan member. The concept that the village could just take a clan heir's heritage without reason would not go over well with any of Konoha's clans, small or great. At worse such an action could cause many to leave the village or at worse an open rebellion.

"We will leave in the morning. It should only take us a few weeks of travel to reach Japan and this Shinto Teito. I was able to get the Slug clan to provide us a map to aid in our mission. Pack for a long-term journey and mission. Meet me here tomorrow at 9:00am. Dismissed."

Several weeks later

Naruto rubbed the sleep out of his eyes as he shifted and felt the weight on his chest. He smiled gently down at the Uzume's sleeping form. The last few weeks had been an adjustment. Uzume had been forced to help him with everything from dressing to bathing but she did it with a smile and never a complaint. He couldn't believe how much she loved just being with him and how she truly cared for him.

His therapy had already begun and he was seeing marked improvement thanks to his willingness to work hard and do everything the doctors told him. He could already do little things with his legs but between the muscle atrophy and the nerve damage from his back it would be another six months before he was likely to be able to begin walking again unaided. The good news was the therapist said at his current rate he was likely to be able to walk with a cane within the next two to three months.

He had never been so grateful for his Uzumaki bloodline than he had when he was told the nerve damage was healing at an exceptional rate while in the hospital. Something the doctors had been unable to explain, deciding it best to accept the apparent miracle. If not for that he would have been crippled for the rest of his days. At least this way he would be able to work and eventually regain full function in his lower body.

Uzume groaned as she felt him stir, "Mmmmm, just five more minutes…" she muttered as she latched onto him tightly and rubbed her head into his chest. He gently stroked her hair as she made happy noises at the contact and he smiled happily at the woman who had changed his life.

While he wasn't in the shape he had been in as a shinobi he had chosen to continue working out while in the hospital once Uzume managed to drag him from his depression. It had become a daily routine with him, something to get him out of his room that the doctors had completely approved of. He knew it would take a lot of time and work to regain his former strength but even still he was in extremely good shape and Uzume obviously liked it.

He chuckled and shook her gently, "Don't forget we're going to the park today remember? I know you're excited to go after all!"

Uzume's eyes immediately shot open and her face lit up. After a week of bad storms, the weather had steadily improved and today was supposed to be one of those perfect fall days before the winter began setting its cold grip on them. Naruto and Uzume planned on taking advantage of the beautiful day and going for a walk in a nearby park, maybe even getting ice cream or something as well.

Uzume rose quickly after that and once Naruto was dressed and ready proceeded to change into a beautiful pale yellow sundress complete with a straw hat. The dress fit her slender figure perfect and fell gracefully from her waist to slightly past her knees. The top was held by straps and covered her large breasts while presenting a picture of elegance and beauty.

Smiling Naruto dressed in his usual jeans with a short sleeved button up shirt and light blue jacket. They left their room and placed a few water bottles and sandwiches in a backpack and with a quick goodbye the Miya proceeded to make their way to the park.

It really was an absolutely gorgeous day. The sky was perfect, the temperature perfect, and the park was in full bloom. The couple found themselves just enjoying each other's presence, talking a little about their future dreams, and where they wanted to live once Naruto's therapy was finished.

As they sat on a bench just enjoying the warmth of each other and the day Naruto kissed Uzume on the cheek gently, "Everything I had to go through was worth it because now I have you."

Maison Izumo

Miya was sweeping the back porch while she enjoyed the beautiful and peaceful day when her tranquility was broken by a rather forceful knock. With a slight frown the beautiful landlady set her broom aside and made her way to the door. Upon opening it she was greeted by a small group of people, although the one standing in front was obviously their leader.

The woman in question had blonde hair pulled into twin pigtails that fell down her back, she wore a green haori and a shirt that opened to reveal a bust larger than even most Sekirei had. Her honey colored eyes met the Miya's and she immediately knew this woman was a veteran. Not simply a warrior, but someone who had taken lives, fought battles, and lead troops for years.

Miya smiled and decided it was best to be polite, "Hello! How may I help you?"

Tsunade offered a smile as well despite being cautious, it was obvious the woman before her was no simple landlady. The way she held herself and her stance screamed trained warrior, likely with some form of blade, and her shinobi senses were yelling at her to be careful.

"Greetings, I'm Senju Tsunade, and I was told my godson, Uzumaki Naruto, recently moved here. I was hoping to speak with him."

Miya frowned slightly since to her knowledge Naruto had never mentioned any family nor actually where he came from before meeting Uzume. Uzume had told her he was a soldier from a young age and had been betrayed by close allies, leaving out the details. Although that bothered her little, since his past was his own and she was never one to pry, she left the subject alone. At this point she began to wonder if perhaps she should have had Matsu run a more in-depth background search on the young man.

"I'm sorry but Naruto isn't here right now," she told them, obviously without remorse.

Tsunade nodded, "Would you mind if we waited for him? It's a rather… important matter I'd like to speak with him about."

Miya weighed her options. On the one hand she could refuse and likely the group would return later seeking the blonde Ashikabi. Or she could allow them to remain since Uzume and Naruto should be returning in an hour or so, but that would allow the woman to surprise her tenant. Miya chose option three.

"If you don't mind, I don't really have room for such a large group, would you and perhaps one other be willing to wait? I don't want to take away the entire space from my tenants. I am sure you understand," Miya said with a smile.

Tsunade's eyes narrowed slightly, clearly understanding the meaning. Miya would let herself and one other remain but would not allow a large group of unknown people to potentially lay a trap for her tenant. By forcing her to choose Tsunade would either stay and show she meant no harm or leave and indicate she wanted to use force against the blonde somehow. The blonde Kage knew her instincts were spot on to be wary of the woman.

However, this worked perfectly for Tsunade's plans as well.

"Certainly, this is Shizune," Tsunade responded presenting the black haired woman next to her, "We would be happy to wait for Naruto."

"But Lady Tsunade, you shouldn't…" Lee began only to be silenced by Tsunade's raised hand.

"I'm in no danger here and the rest of you are to return to our hotel. Wait there until I return or you're summoned, understand?"

Konohamaru looked mutinous but the others nodded slowly, clearly not liking the idea of leaving their leader in an unknown location.

"Lee, you're in charge. Make sure everyone stays together and in the hotel until I say otherwise, understood?"

"Yes Ma'am!" Lee said with a salute before turning and ushering the others away and Tsunade entered the inn.

It was a little over an hour later when Naruto and Uzume returned. The two were smiling happily as they entered their home and called out to Miya to let her know they were back.

"Oh! Naruto, welcome back, you have a guest!" Miya called from the next room causing both Naruto and Uzume to blink. Naruto had never met anyone outside the hospital, other than Uzume, and the only people Naruto knew were back in his home village that was far, far away. And none of them would ever try to find him… right?

As the couple entered the room Naruto's eyes widened to almost comical proportions, "G-G-GRANNY!? Sh-Shizune!" he yelled.

"Hey brat, still causing trouble I see," Tsunade told him with a small smile and lazy wave while Shizune waved at him happily.

Naruto's eyes began to water at a sight he never thought he would see again and before anyone knew it the three shinobi were in a deep embrace. Tears flowed freely as relief sunk in. A small family reunited after being apart for so long.

Shizune was the big sister he had never had and Tsunade the grandmother he had always wanted. It had taken a long time for Naruto to accept that no one was coming for him from Konoha and even longer to accept he would never see the people who were most precious to him ever again. The relief at getting to see them and the joy that he would get to introduce Uzume to his family was beyond words.

Tsunade allowed a few tears for herself as she smiled happy with her godson in her arms. That he was confined to the wheelchair made little difference to the blonde woman. When no one could find him for months she had been ready to accept her was lost to the world. Hell, she had been ready to join him on more than one drunken night and if not for Shizune she might have. It was only when the Toad clan revealed he was still alive that she formed her plan to find him.

Shizune had always felt close to the young blonde and had always been there when he needed someone. She had never had a younger brother but after everything he had gone through for Tsunade, the woman she considered a mother, she couldn't help but think of him as her brother. Despite not being tied together by blood the three were family and no one would separate them.

Uzume's reaction was to slowly back up and allow her Ashikabi a moment with his family while she smiled until she felt him grab her wrist.

"Granny, this is Uzume, the girl who saved me and the woman I love. Uzume, this is Senju Tsunade, the fifth Hokage of my village and my grandmother and this is Shizune my sister," he said as introduction.

Tsunade and Shizune both smiled and nodded, "It's nice to meet you. Thanks for taking care of our knucklehead here."

Uzume just nodded happily not sure what to say at that point, "It was no trouble and its very nice to meet you, Naruto spoke about you quite a bit."

"What are you doing here? I thought you guys wouldn't be able to find me? How come you're not in the village?" Naruto asked, clearly concerned that the Hokage had left the village.

Tsunade grinned, a look that reminded Naruto of when he was about to pull off a rather amazing prank, "Well, I left Kakashi in charge and with instructions for him to be the next Hokage. As to why I'm here? Well, to join you and your beautiful young lady of course!"

Naruto's mouth dropped as Shizune's eyes widened at the statement, "L-Lady Tsunade! You can't seriously be saying you're abandoning Konoha are you?!"

Tsunade shrugged, "I'm old, despite my looks, and its high time I retired. As a retired Shinobi I can go wherever I want. And since Naruto was medically discharged already so can he."

Tsunade looked at her first apprentice, a girl she considered to be more a daughter than a friend and smiled softly, her voice filled with the emotions running through her, "I want to spend the rest of my days with my family Shizune. I know you might not like it but my family is here. I'm Uzumaki on my grandmother's side and if you want, you're welcome to join us. You're my family too and it wouldn't be the same without you."

Tsunade's eyes hardened slightly as she thought of how her apprentice had been treated by her fellow shinobi in the village over the years. While they had accepted her without pause they had never really taken the time to get to know the black haired girl preferring to interact more on a professional level than a social one, "Let's be honest, Konoha hasn't been the home either of us really had hoped it would be. I'm not blind Shizune and I've seen how you've struggled socially with your peers. I also know you haven't been thrilled with just being some secretary to an old drunk, you deserve more than that, and, really, you need to settle down anyway and find yourself a good man."

Shizune stared at her mentor in utter shock, the words running through her head as if on a loop even as the gears in her brain turned. The Hokage was correct, should she retire she would be able to go anywhere she chose. Sure, Konoha might not be too thrilled with it but they wouldn't push, especially if Tsunade wanted to retire outside the elemental nations and Naruto was basically the last family she had aside from Shizune herself. She was also well aware that Tsunade had also wanted to be there when Naruto and herself started a family, in her eyes, it was an opportunity to spoil her grandchildren and just as obviously Naruto was not planning on returning to Konoha, not when he seemed so happy here.

Further, Tsunade's words struck very close to the truth on how Shizune had felt over the last few years. She had tried to make friends, really she did, and had dated once or twice in attempts to find a boyfriend only for it to meet with failure. She was always too busy working in the Hokage office and the hospital or people were intimidated by her close relationship with Tsunade. Hell, there were rumors she was secretly Tsunade's lover.

"I-It's just a lot to take in my lady…" Shizune said quietly as she folded her hands in her lap and looked down.

Tsunade placed a comforting hand on her apprentice's shoulder and offer an encouraging smile.

"Does anyone else know? Of your plan I mean…" she asked.

"Whoa Whoa Whoa! You mean you're just going to retire and exile yourself?" Naruto asked in shock while Uzume looked from one person in the room to another, clearly confused as to why this was so important or causing such an uproar with her Ashikabi.

Tsunade grinned, her eyes filled with laughter at his shock, "I don't consider it exile Naruto. I consider it being with the people I care about. I took care of everything before I left. Kakashi is well trained and will run the village well and Konohamaru will take over after him if I am any judge. Besides, I liquidated the Senju clan holdings like Jiraiya did for you with his and your family's, so money isn't an issue. Time to party it up in retirement!"

Naruto blinked once. Twice. Three times.

"Wait, I would have thought you would be here to drag my Ashikabi back?!" Uzume asked as she finally got over her own shock at the situation to ask the most obvious question on her mind.

"Nope. I don't give a damn about the council. I just used your 'value' to the village as an excuse to lead the team here. Oh, yeah, I guess I should mention that aside from the two of us Konohamaru, Hana, Lee, Hinata, and Sakura are here. They believe we're here to convince you to return and pay restitution for their attacks on you. As a clan heir and, at the time, shinobi, what they did was not only dishonorable but highly illegal bordering on treasonous."

Shizune was still in shock when she voiced a question that was popping up in her head, "What would I even do outside the elemental nations?"

The question was more to herself than anyone in the room but Tsunade chose to answer it anyway, "Anything you want. There's no way I could ever spend the Senju clan holdings by myself. You could go back to school here, be a doctor or nurse, be a writer, hell, go be a stripper! As long as you're happy I don't care what you choose. It's an opportunity to do something you truly choose for yourself," the Hokage told the black haired girl who had begun to blush in response to the support by her lady.

Naruto nodded dumbly, he had finally come to much the same conclusion for himself, his mind trying to catch up with everything before turning and finally noticing Uzume's confused look chuckled, "You've probably got no idea what's going on huh?"

Uzume punched him playfully in the shoulder at his amusement at her confusion, "No kidding, maybe if my Ashikabi would explain it to me I wouldn't be so confused? Huh Huh?"

"Well, you know how I explained the political structure of my village?" he said and waited for her to nod, "Tsunade would be considered an S-rank shinobi by herself and the premier medic in the world. The idea of her retiring isn't a big deal but her choosing to live here would be a huge scandal. Konoha would probably have a mini melt down just at the thought."

Tsuande grinned, "You aren't the only one who can pull off pranks on the village you know. Now, why does Uzume keep calling you her 'Ashikabi'? I thought it might be a term of endearment at first but it seems to have more meaning, like a title?"

Naruto blushed at the question but before he could respond Uzume jumped in, "Oh! That's because I'm a Sekirei and Naruto is my destined one!"

Tsunade blinked, "Um, could you go into more detail with that?"

Uzume nodded, "Sekirei are another race. Our planet was destroyed long ago and we, along with several other ships, were sent here to Earth to save our species. Once were released by M.B.I. we spread out among the city to find our destined ones, the ones we were meant to bond too. The bond is a deep connection between Ashikabi and Sekirei. It's begun through a kiss which causes our wings to emerge and our connection to be made. I was lucky enough to have Naruto as my Ashikabi!"

Uzume finished by grabbing Naruto's arm and pulling it clearly into the rather deep valley of her cleavage. Naruto blushed at the feeling of her chest engulfing his arm and from slight fear as Tsunade raised an eyebrow at the action.

"Hmmmm, interesting. I'd love to take a look at your physiology and this bond some time," she said, more curious than anything else.

The rest of the day and evening was spent discussing things of little consequence and Tsunade's plan to join her godson on what she considered a nice peaceful retirement. It goes without saying Shizune found herself quickly deciding to join them outside the elemental nations. This was a new start and if her family was staying, then so would she.

Hotel

Sakura glared as she looked outside the window, her headache steadily getting worse. The pink haired girl was leaning against the wall as she stared into the massive city before her. They had been sent to wait in this stupid hotel while her master and fellow apprentice had been left on their own at that inn to wait for the man who should have been hers.

Her glare intensified at the level of strange noises coming from outside which only seemed to increase the pain of her headache. She had been steadily getting them more and more over the past few years. Her mind kept going back to Naruto as she struggled to remain focused through the headache. He had loved her since they were kids and, in her opinion, if she wanted him he belonged to her. Just because she decided he was hers after he began dating someone else didn't matter. The blonde belonged to her whether he believed so or otherwise, end of story.

Sakura grinned internally, all she needed to do was get him back to the village. Once there she could heal him and during his therapy she could kindle the romance between a patient and doctor. One slip here, a bit of skin touching there, and he'd be putty in her hands. Then maybe a late night session or two where she helped him 'relax' after a lengthy workout. Yes, she just needed to get him back and everything would be perfect.

Nearby Hinata sighed to herself as she sat in a rather comfortable chair. She thought about the last year. She hadn't wanted to attack her then boyfriend. Her plan was to confront him, demand an explanation from him, but everything has just gone to hell. She had started yelling, Kurenai had cast that genjutsu and then Neji had just flown off the handle. He still couldn't explain what he was thinking at the time. Something just set him off and he had acted without thinking, something extremely out of character. No one had been able to explain it but the result had left the man she loved crippled and bound to a wheel chair living outside the elemental nations.

Hinata had carried a torch ever since then in hopes of finding Naruto and apologizing and trying to pick up where they had left off. Now she found out he was with someone else and obviously in love if what she had seen was any indication. The normally calm and shy Hyuga clenched her fist at the thought of someone else claiming her boyfriend in his time of weakness. Much like the pink haired girl nearby she felt if she could get him back to the village they could reconnect and continue their relationship where they left off. She wasn't going to just give up, not yet at least.

Hana sighed to herself, she had been missing her ninken since they left the village. Thankfully the little surprise she had brought with her helped a bit but Lady Tsunade had ordered her to leave the triplets behind. Normally it was unthinkable for an Inuzuka to be parted from their ninken but considering where they were the three wolf like dogs would have drawn an inordinate amount of attention and been extremely unhappy. They also would have found it difficult to find a hotel since it appeared most were not animal friendly. Of course, all of this did not stop Hana from missing her pups.

Her frown turned into a glare as she thought about her brother back in the village. Likely hitting on some girl or other. It was no easy feat of deduction to determine why he had attacked Naruto, he was jealous. Naruto was the ultimate War Hero, he had the girl Kiba had been crushing on for years, and the respect of the entire village. Not to mention was the single heir of not one but two great clans and the Toad Sage.

Her idiot brother had thought by attacking the boy following that dumb Hyuga he could show he was 'Alpha' and prove Hinata she belonged with him. Ultimately, as usual, he had failed to consider his actions and their mother had been forced to remove him as a clan heir. He had been very close to getting exiled from the clan itself. Attacking a fellow Konoha shinobi was considered treason. Attacking a clan heir who was also a War Hero without any cause could have seen their clan stripped of its great clan status and even harsher penalties by the Hokage and council. The village couldn't afford to have clans at each other's throats. Damn stupid little brother.

Lee quietly sat with his back against a wall, forgoing the chairs nearby, his fingers running along the small storage scroll he and his master Gai had put together. They knew ultimately that Naruto may not return and after hearing how happy he appeared to be would have been hard pressed to convince him. Despite this he would do his best and hoped his secret weapon would prove enough.

Lastly in the room was Konohamaru who was trying his best not to constantly fidget. He wanted to see his big brother and it was only the promise he would get to do so soon that had kept him from demanding he stay with the Hokage. Even still he just couldn't calm down. His body wanted to move on its own and rush back to the inn with the rather scary landlady so he could see his brothers smiling face.

The last year had been hell for Konohamaru and his friends. Their boss, his mentor and big brother, had been washed away in a river after a spiteful attack. To learn one of the perpetrators was his Uncle's wife had sent him into a rage that had taken both his friends Moegi and Udon plus his girlfriend Hanabi to hold back. He had wanted nothing more than to rip the woman to shreds, especially when she seemed to believe she had done the right thing. As the primary heir to his clan he had volunteered to apologize and present payment to his brother in all but blood, even if it was more of an excuse to see Naruto than anything else.

Much like Lee he didn't know if his brother would return after hearing how happy he was here but he wanted to see him none-the-less. Konohamaru would do everything in his power to ensure his brother was happy, whether it was here or in Konoha. That was a promise he had made himself should Naruto ever be found.